Temporary floatation stabilization device and method
OwnerEdward Huang, Bruce Zurbuchen +2inventors
InventorsEdward Huang, Bruce Zurbuchen, Vince Giorgi, Shaji Samuel
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Abstract
A temporary stability module and method for marine structures during construction, transportation and installation is taught. The device and method permit the structure, including platforms, deck and equipment to be constructed in an upright position, towed to an ocean installation site, and installed by ballasting the structure or temporary stability module and subsequent removal of the module.
Claims35
An apparatus comprising an offshore structure and a temporary stabilization module detachable connected to the structure, where at least a portion of the module extends above a waterline and increases stability of the structure.
The apparatus of claim of 1, wherein the modules increase a water plane area of the structure and an area moment of inertia of the structure and increases its righting moment.
An apparatus comprising an offshore structure and a plurality of temporary stabilization modules detachable connected to the structure, where at least a portion of each module extends above a waterline and increases stability of the structure.
The apparatus of claim of 18, wherein the modules increase a water plane area of the structure and an area moment of inertia of the structure and increases its righting moment.
A method for transporting an offshore structure comprising the steps of:
- attaching one or a plurality of temporary stabilization modules to a structure in a body of water at a first draft to form a stabilized structure;
- and
- transporting the stabilized structure from a first site to a second site,
- where at least a portion of each module extends above a waterline and the modules increase a stability of the structure sufficient to maintain the structure in a substantially upright orientation during transporting.
A method for installing an offshore structure comprising the steps of:
- attaching one or a plurality of temporary stabilization modules to a structure in a body of water at a first draft to form a stabilized structure;
- and
- transporting the stabilized structure from a first site to a second site, where at least a portion of each module extends above a waterline and the modules increase a stability of the structure sufficient to maintain the structure in a substantially upright orientation during transporting;
- ballasting the modules and/or the structure to change the first draft to a lower, installation draft, where a portion of each module is still above the waterline;
- attaching a plurality of tendons to the structure;
- deballasting the structure and/or the modules to tension the structure so that the structure can assume its installed draft;
- and
- removing the modules from the structure.
A method for transporting a stabilized offshore structure comprising the steps of:
- attaching one or a plurality of temporary stabilization modules to a structure in a body of water at an tensioned draft moored to a bottom of the body of water by a plurality of tendons, where at least a portion of each module extends above a waterline and the modules increase a stability of the structure sufficient to maintain the structure in a substantially upright orientation;
- ballasting the modules and/or the structure to change the draft of the structure from its tensioned draft to a lower, tendon detachment draft, where a portion of each module is still above the waterline;
- deattaching the tendons from the structure;
- deballasting the structure and/or the modules to a transportation draft;
- transporting the structure with the modules, which maintain the structure in its substantially upright orientation to a new site;
- and
- removing the modules from the structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.